On The Road Again

By the mid-year the road seems to call our name. Something in the dead heat of the summer draws us to explore the long, winding trails to wherever they may lead. no matter where your travels take you this season, impromptu or not, here’s your guide to make sure you’re in proper form to hit the road.

Styling and Story by Abdiel Gonzalez / Photography by Dan Austin / Hair and Makeup by Yolanda Floyd

I woke up this morning with no real plans for the weekend, only a desire to hit the open road with my wife, pack a small overnighter bag, and blindly chase the wind. Like a band of gypsies we went down the highway: windows down, one hand out high-fiving the wind, while the music of Journey filled the back seat.

It simply takes a few interchangeable wardrobe staples, accessories for a little pop, and three minutes of visual planning.

These moments are what unforgettable summers are made of. Not the planned, out-of-state, big family getaways, but those spontaneous adventures that force you out of your rigid box. For most, the scariest part of these impulsive trips is keeping your looks confined to one duffle bag while making sure your ensembles say, “I have style” and not “I’m lazy, so I only packed this one outfit.” This is a feat that doesn’t require a magic wand, although it would be helpful. It simply takes a few interchangeable wardrobe staples, accessories for a little pop, and three minutes of visual planning.

On your Florida summer adventure, you’ll be surrounded with the richness of our American history and culture, so let your wardrobe be influenced by that. Classic gingham prints, worn-in denim, mix perfectly with a biker tee and turquoise jewelry for a modern dose of Americana.

First, take your prized jeans, the ones you haven’t washed in a while for fear of losing that perfect fit. Yep, those ones. They will take you from day to night with the right top options, which should also naturally pair with your favorite shorts or skirt. Now just throw in your choice of swimwear, versatile footwear (I recommend a good, rugged boot or leather sandal), and fill the inner pocket of your carryall with some of your beloved jewelry, and voilà, your impromptu weekend warrior look is complete. With so many unique destinations and landmarks in our back yard, these unplanned trips are not only easy, but a necessary part of a stylish Florida summer.

Share this:

From a young age, Abdiel Gonzalez was inspired by design and art, and influenced by the colorful culture of his native Hawaii. After moving to Florida in his teens, Abdiel formed an award-winning dance company, No Confusion, for which he received national recognition. His love of fashion developed while earning a bachelor’s in business administration at Florida Southern College. He has managed multimillion-dollar retail establishments, designed stage costumes, and styled high-profile photo shoots. Currently, Abdiel and his wife Kristy own and operate 5th and Hall, a modern clothing store for men and women. 5th and Hall is located in Lakeland's Dixieland neighborhood.